Editorial May 22, 1926 Issue

Keeping Our Demonstrations Modest

Ella W. Hoag

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (pp. 171, 172) Mrs. Eddy, commenting upon the few who "at present know aught of the Science of mental healing," and on the many who "are obtruding upon the public attention their ignorance or false knowledge in the name of Science," goes on to declare that "it behooves all clad in the shining mail to keep bright their invincible armor; to keep their demonstrations modest, and their claims and lives steadfast in Truth." Surely no counsel could be of greater value to Christian Scientists than this, and it may be well to consider something of what our Leader's words imply.

Most of us have often contemplated the question of our armor and of the way to keep it shining and bright. We have realized, at least to some extent, the necessity of frequently examining and testing it in all its parts. We have felt the wisdom of continually girding our loins with truth; of keeping our breastplate of righteousness all untarnished from self-righteousness, self-consciousness, self-exaltation, or self-condemnation. We have watched that our feet be shod with the gospel of peace, so that we may be swift to carry its glad tidings all unhindered by the obstructions of impatience, instability, and sluggishness. We have watched that our shield of faith be kept so glistering that every dart of error should glance aside powerless to harm; and that our sword of the Spirit be held so firmly, so undauntedly, so deftly, that no belief of matter could be allowed to escape until its nothingness had been pierced and proved to be illusion.

As Christian Scientists we have also prayed long and earnestly that our lives may always be kept "steadfast in Truth." But what of keeping our "demonstrations modest"? Here is something about which we may not always have been so alert, something to which we may not have given the time and attention that are needed if we are to gain an understanding of how to obey it in such fashion that we shall reap the rich reward which always follows compliance with the demands our Leader makes upon us.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Keeping Our Demonstrations Modest

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access